On Thursday night’s brand-new episode of Southern Charm, it was revealed that Olivia Flowers’ brother, Connor Flowers, had passed away, and her costar, Austen Kroll, could relate to the tragedy. So far, this season, Austen and Olivia have been on the rocks. It began after the pair’s relationship didn’t work out last year following Southern Charm season 8. Austen originally wanted to try and work things out but didn’t put in the effort to actually make their relationship last. Olivia was over it, and the two moved on. However, things got rocky after some news about Austen and Taylor Ann Green came out.
So far, in Southern Charm season 9, the majority of the season has discussed the odd friendship between Austen and Taylor. The two became close after Austen and Olivia broke up and Taylor split from Shep Rose. Taylor and Austen said they were both struggling after their breakups and found comfort in their friendship. However, one night, Taylor and Austen got a little too friendly, and the pair shared a kiss. After lying for some time, Austen finally told Shep, and Taylor told Olivia. Olivia was the most distraught as she felt betrayed by both Austen and Taylor. However, Olivia has other things to worry about following the passing of her brother.
Olivia’s Brother Died After Battle With Lyme Disease
Back in February 2023, it was revealed that Olivia’s brother Conner passed away at the age of 32 following a long 17-year battle with Lyme Disease. As reported by Page Six in February, Connor passed away on January 30, 2023, at his home in Isle of Palms, which is just outside of Charleston, South Carolina. At the time, it was unclear why Connor had passed so suddenly, but Olivia eventually revealed his cause of death in May in a touching Instagram post. “I recently learned that May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month,” she began her caption.
Olivia then continued to say, “My brother suffered from this insidious disease for his entire adult life […] Although he was very private about his struggles with Lyme disease, my family saw the toll it took on his life trying to navigate the debilitating symptoms over the last 17 years.” The Southern Charm cast member went on to praise the doctors who helped diagnose her brother correctly after years of him being misdiagnosed. While her brother couldn’t beat the deadly disease, Olivia was happy to know she and her family did everything they could to save him.
The Southern Charm Cast Immediately Rallied Around Olivia
During last night’s new episode of Southern Charm, Olivia, and the cast, found out about her brother’s passing. The news was confirmed during a scene between Venita Aspen and Leva Bonaparte, who were supposed to meet Olivia for lunch. They both knew something was wrong as Olivia not only didn’t show up for lunch, but she hadn’t been answering her phone all day. After waiting, they finally got a call from Taylor, who told them Connor had passed away. Leva was completely distraught as she’s close with the Flowers family and immediately asked production to stop filming, which they did, and left to support Olivia.
Following the news, the cast rallied around Olivia to support her during this tragic time. Shep offered his house to her parents, while Craig Conover sent Olivia his homemade lasagna. While the boys did what they could to support their friend, Leva and Venitia put together an intimate get-together at Venita’s house to see how Olivia was doing. As soon as she walked into Venita’s home, Olivia began to cry. She revealed to her friends how she’s struggled with being able to go in Connor’s room while her mother “just wants to stay in it.” Olivia also went on about how sweet and kind Connor was, which is how she wants him to be remembered.
Olivia recounted her last days with Connor in a confessional, saying, “One of the last things he said to me was like, ‘You’re doing everything right, you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.” He also said that he hopes Olivia is as proud of him as he is of her. Olivia also revealed that she found comfort in her ex, Austen, following her brother’s death. Austen went through something similar when he was younger, and the two found common ground in their tragedies.
Austen Lost His Sister Kyle When He Was Younger
At just seven years old, Austen’s older sister Kyle passed away at the age of nine following a tragic accident. The Kroll family had just moved to Charlotte, North Carolina when they took a trip to Chimney Rock State Park. While they were there, Austen’s sister Kyle fell off a cliff, and sadly, she did not survive it. At the time, Austen was so young he didn’t really understand what was going on when Kyle was rushed to the hospital. Austen had discussed his sister’s death in a previous Southern Charm episode from one of his earlier seasons. Now, Austen can use his past to help Olivia through this difficult time.
During last night’s episode, Austen called Taylor, who had just seen Olivia following the death of her brother. Taylor said Olivia was “in shock” and said Olivia felt like she was in a “nightmare.” The whole situation obviously hit Austen hard, as he’s been through the death of a sibling as well. “It’s just a big ‘ole fog, I don’t even really know how to think right now,” Austen said in a confessional. He then added, “I mean, the death of a sibling, that’s the first time in my life when I learned about death when my sister passed. And Olivia and I unfortunately now share this tragic bond together.”
Connor’s death was a complete shock not only to Olivia but the whole cast. However, it brought them all closer as they supported Olivia during this difficult situation. Olivia clearly has more important things to worry about than her former relationship with Austen and Taylor’s betrayal.
Southern Charm airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. EST on Bravo.
Sources: Page Six, Olivia Flowers/ Instagram
